Batteries Carried by Airline Passengers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. A. What kinds of batteries are allowed in carry-on baggage (in the aircraft cabin)? Passengers can carry most consumer batteries and personal battery-powered devices. Spare batteries must be protected from damage and short circuit. Battery-powered devices should be protected from accidental activation. Batteries allowed in carry-on baggage include: Dry cell alkaline batteries; typical AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt, button sized cells, etc. Dry cell rechargeable batteries such as Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Nickel Cadmium (NiCad). For rechargeable lithium ion batteries; see next sentence. Lithium ion batteries (a.k.a.: rechargeable lithium, lithium polymer, LIPO, secondary lithium). Passengers may carry consumer-sized lithium ion batteries [no more than 8 grams of equivalent lithium content or 100 watt hours (wh) per battery]. This size covers AA, AAA, 9-volt, cell phone, PDA, camera, camcorder, Gameboy, and standard laptop computer batteries. o Passengers can also bring two (2) larger lithium ion batteries (more than 8 grams, up to 25 grams of equivalent lithium content per battery) in their carry-on. This size covers larger extended-life laptop batteries. Most consumer lithium ion batteries are below this size. Lithium metal batteries (a.k.a.: non-rechargeable lithium, primary lithium). These batteries are often used with cameras and other small personal electronics. Consumer-sized batteries (up to 2 grams of lithium per battery) may be carried. This includes all the typical non-rechargeable batteries for personal film cameras and digital cameras (AA, AAA, 123, CR123A, CR1, CR2, CRV3, CR22, 2CR5, etc.) as well as the flat round lithium button cells. What kinds of batteries are allowed in checked baggage? Except for spare (uninstalled) lithium batteries, all the batteries allowed in carry-on baggage are also allowed in checked baggage. The batteries must be protected from damage and short circuit or installed in a device. Battery-powered devicesparticularly those with moving parts or those that could heat upshould be protected from accidental activation. Spare lithium batteries (both lithium metal and lithium ion/polymer) are prohibited in checked baggage. Is there a limit to the number of batteries I can carry? There is no limit to the number of consumer-size batteries or battery-powered devices that a passenger can carry. Only the larger lithium ion batteries are limited to two (2) batteries per passenger; see Lithium ion batteries explanation above. What does protected from short circuit mean? Protected from short circuit means that a batterys terminals are protected from being touched by metal. When metal such as keys, coins, or other batteries come in contact with both terminals of a battery, it can create a circuit or path for electricity to flow through. This can cause extreme heat and sparks and even start a fire. To prevent short circuits, keep spare batteries in their original packaging, a battery case, or separate pouch or pocket. Make sure loose batteries cant move around. Placing tape over the terminals of unpackaged batteries also helps to insulate them from short circuit.

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For a quick reference guide, see illustrated table on next page.

January 9, 2008 FAA Office of Security and Hazardous Materials http://ash.faa.gov

Batteries Allowed in Airline Baggage

Type of Battery
There is no limit to the number of batteries or devices carried unless specified below.

Allowed in carry-on baggage?

In equipment Spares

Allowed in checked baggage?

In equipment Spares

Dry alkaline batteries YES YES

When protected from damage and short circuit

YES

YES
When protected from damage and short circuit

Dry rechargeable Nickel Metal

Hydride (NiMH), Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), etc.

YES

YES
When protected from damage and short circuit

YES

YES
When protected from damage and short circuit

For lithium, see below.

Lithium ion (rechargeable lithium, lithium

polymer, LIPO) as used in small consumer electronics, such as cell phones, cameras, PDAs, and most laptops. (8 grams or less equivalent lithium content per battery)

YES

YES
When protected from damage and short circuit

YES

NO

Larger* Lithium ion Limit two (2) batteries per passenger.

(*More than 8 grams but not more than 25 grams equivalent lithium content per battery)

YES

YES
When protected from damage and short circuit

YES

NO

Lithium metal, as used in small consumer electronics such as cameras, LED flashlights, etc. (2 grams or less lithium per battery)

YES

YES
When protected from damage and short circuit

YES

NO

This is intended as informal guidance material only. For further information, please go to http://SafeTravel.DOT.Gov or call the DOT Hazardous Materials Information Center at 1-800-467-4922. For TSA security restrictions, please go to http://www.tsa.gov
January 9, 2008 FAA Office of Security and Hazardous Materials http://ash.faa.gov